Well Project One is well under way. Pictures of the project can be found at
www.NASSAC.Faithweb.com. Even with
the limitations within Orbiters present configuration the Project One simulator should prove to be a unique
experience for the simulation of space flight. The present cockpit configuration is for four crew members. We had
hoped to build a simulator for 5-6 crew size but a 14 foot trailer verses a 16 foot made the difference. The Cockpit is
configured with a total of 8 LCD's and 1 main projection system. For Orbiter the one center MFD'd on in the cockpit
will display the same image as the main projector. This center LCD is a touch screen which will allow the crew to
interact with all the switches without using a mouse. When flying the Space shuttle 1 rear LCD will also display the
main Orbiter projection image and allow the crew to use the Robotic arm from the aft position.
When the simulator is being used for Microsoft Flight Simulator the cockpit can be configured for either the use of
dual yokes and pedals or dual Joysticks with or without pedals. The configuration for a large Civil Jetliner will consist
of 1 main projection system for the forward view, a left and right MFD for navigation glass cockpit using Project
Magenta, and a two center LCD's. One center LCD will use Project Magenta for Engine data display while the second
center LCD will be used for navigation. This will also have the touch screen to reduce the need for a mouse.
In the aft section the crew can work as flight engineers viewing the electrical, hydraulic, engine or fuel control
panels. Another computer will control the side views. Two side windows are being installed and will look like side
passenger windows. Two 15 inch LCD's will be linked to operate as one large screen. The right wing view will allow
passengers to enjoy the scenery. Still the simulator can also be configured to allow four separate simulators to work
together on a multi-user network. The main screen would be used to display the outside view of a chase plane. The
other three pilots would interact with the main pilot. The left and right MFD's would display the views for two pilots
operating two separate aircraft.
In all five computers will be networked together and interconnected with a series of USB switch boxes, Monitor
splitters and switch boxes as well as One KVM box to control four computers with one key boar and mouse.
we are beginning to run all the needed cables and we are installing a central switching panel that will control all the
configurations via the USB and Monitor splitters and switches. The configurations will be labeled for each aircraft used
and will require a user to go through a checklist of setting before the computers are started.
Goflight will be used to configure hard switches to work with different aircraft or spacecraft. When Orbiter is
operated we will use "Goflight Keys" to configure some of the MFD and flight controls. Goflight will detect the wired
configuration based on the USB switches that are selected. We know it sounds complicated but the truth is it will be
very easy to change from one configuration to another very easily. The main problem will be that the computers will
have to be rebooted if the GOflight configuration is to be properly recognized.
We plan on producing video for Oribiter fans to see once we get the system up and running. We will also making
one for FS9, Xplane and Celestia. All this was done so that the simulator would not be limited in its application.
If you have any questions please understand that we welcome your inquirers. You can post them here or via E-mail
to
j.abent@mchsi.com.
And a final note: NASSAC is a Christian ministry but we do not force our beliefs on anyone, neither do we hide
them. We are dedicated to teaching science to all who are interested. In the Christian setting we also teach
theological truth and principles. We use the facts of Science to illustrate Biblical truths, values and evidences for
creation.
John Abent
NASSAC Director